Mary Jane Wallace Credle

DURHAM: After a period of declining health, Mary Jane Wallace Credle, 75, died Thursday at the home of her daughter, Claudia Brueckner.

Mary Jane was the youngest daughter of the late Paul Grady Wallace and Elizabeth Rollins Wallace. Born and raised in Durham, Mary Jane grew up on Seeman Street and had many happy memories of what nearby downtown Durham had to offer during her childhood. She graduated from Durham High School in 1953. She attended what was then Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia, where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha women’s fraternity, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1958.

Mary Jane met her future husband when neighbor and local Durham piano teacher, Felicia Sears, introduced her to Edward Cecil Credle. Mary Jane remembered being relieved that Edward was tall. Mary Jane and Edward were married November 9, 1957 in Immaculate Conception Church, of which they were longtime members. They acknowledged Felicia Sears’ influence in their lives by naming their first child after her.

Between raising four children and being a homemaker, Mary Jane participated in various civic activities over the years; in particular a long membership in Catholic Daughters of the Americas, which named her “Catholic Daughter of the Year” twice for Durham Court 1576. She was a Eucharistic Minister at Immaculate Conception. For many years, she and Ed could be relied on to count the money from the Sunday mass collections. Mary Jane was a past volunteer at the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh’s Avila Retreat Center. She also enjoyed her time on the board of directors for the Herald-Sun newspaper, when it was still owned by her family.

No reflection on Mary Jane’s life would be complete without a mention of three of her favorite things: dancing, Bridge and cats. The joy and friendship shared at many Toppers or Beaux Arts dances delighted Mary Jane year after year. And she always looked forward to catching up with the ladies of her Bridge club, many of whom she had known since they were all young brides with small children. Her love of cats began as a girl and continued throughout Mary Jane’s life. Cherished pets Dolly and Plato gave her and Ed many years of smiles and companionship.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered 3:30 PM Monday from Immaculate Conception Church. A graveside service will be 2:00 PM Tuesday in Maplewood Cemetery. Friends may visit 4-6 PM Sunday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.

Condolence Messages

My dear sweet MaryJane,
You have loved me before I was born and you have been a shining light these 57 years.You have always been there for me, through good and bad times and you always had a kind and encouraging word. I will miss that, as well as your quick smile and laughter. I love you and you will always be in my heart. Rest in peace now. Thank you for all the love you have given all of us.

Dear Family, I have shared many happy years with your family at the newspaper. Mary Jane was a beautiful person, your family was wonderful to me and I will alway love & cherish the wonderful memories at the Herald Sun Newspaper before it was taken over by Paxton. I am sorry for your loss but Heaven will have a special angel. Love all of you,
Teresa Ellis.

To The Family of Mary Jane,
Mary Jane was an Angel in my Aunt’s life Dorothy Cable. She was a Sister to my Aunt Dottie.I know that you will miss her and will say prayers for your family during this time..

To The Family of Mary Jane,
Mary Jane was an Angel in my Aunt’s life Dorothy Cable. She was a Sister to my Aunt Dottie.I know that you will miss her and will say prayers for your family during this time..

To The Family of Mary Jane,
Mary Jane was an Angel in my Aunt’s life Dorothy Cable. She was a Sister to my Aunt Dottie.I know that you will miss her and will say prayers for your family during this time..